Is a good physique overrated when it comes to attraction?

wtknight · 2025-07-19T22:52:55+00:00

Removed. No posts about looks.

Alwaysnthered · 2025-07-19T16:11:51+00:00

I love this topic as I went from “skinny” (145lbs at 5 11) to 178 10% body fat, legit 6 pack, v taper everything - top .5% of male physiques - and not “too muscular”. I’m also a part time personal trainer and competed in physique contests in the past.

It ONLY matters if the woman is attracted to your looks WITHOUT the physique

Being fit is an amplifier and NOT a quality women are attracted to alone.

Putrid-Storage-9827 · 2025-07-19T15:48:26+00:00

I think it's more important at the extremes, i.e. avoiding scrawniness or obesity is more important than being ripped or whatever.

But we also quite frankly have to keep in mind that infidelity is a thing. Just because you see a man and woman walking around together doesn't mean she isn't getting something from some other guy on the side.

TotalTravesty · 2025-07-19T15:51:43+00:00

How many body-builder-looking guys actually exist out in the world? And how many guys are currently dating women? There’s your answer.

Not to say that being in shape isn’t a benefit. If you’re so fat that it’s the first thing people notice about you, you’re gonna be behind the 8 ball. But people with real-world experience outside of what male fitness culture gurus propagandize aren’t going to expect bulging muscles and ripped six packs from their partner.

Lift, work out, eat well, do all that good stuff. If you’re just normal or even a little worse shape than normal you’ll be fine. Problem is so many “men’s” communities are so black-and-white and obsessed with extremes that they tell each other it’s over if they don’t look like a pro athlete. And then they’re so stupid that they think the opposing side is saying “Get up to 600 pounds, it’ll be okay.” We’re in a nuance crisis.

Wide-Illustrator2906 · 2025-07-19T15:49:37+00:00

It's severely underrated in my opinion, most men are flabby or straight up fat, so being lean and tone definitely gives you an advantage over most guys. As far as seeing chubby men with attractive women, the only place I've ever seen this was Eastern Europe

Ready-Living865 · 2025-07-19T16:07:46+00:00

If you have zero game and don’t approach, having a good physique won’t help in the slightest.

It’s super overrated and if you put any weight on it in terms of attracting someone you’ll be even more jaded. You won’t settle for someone out of shape. You’ll see DYELs with girls and you’ll think what do they have that I don’t?

S0nG0ku88 · 2025-07-19T16:26:01+00:00

Men and women have different physiques and at different periods of life. There are a lot of out of shape men with good looking in shape women and vice versa. I have seen plenty of young guys in good shape with women in bad shape and I have seen a lot more older guys who look in great shape in contrast with their older wives who are in worse shape. Sometimes people start working on their bodies just for themselves or they have superior genetics.

It really just depends.

ProtectionPolitics4 · 2025-07-19T15:43:50+00:00

It's a small bonus so yes overall it is overrated.

Face matters the most. Height and how you dress is also important. Body comes after that. If it was more important, it would be very obvious.

Fitness girls do care more though.

Pepes_parrillaXXX69 · 2025-07-19T16:12:43+00:00

You answered yourself, they were tall.

It's about balancing, if you aren't tall and/or naturally handsome, a good physique is a good place to start

Muscletov · 2025-07-19T17:18:54+00:00

Looking jacked helps you a lot if you're average because it makes you stand out. That also means the impact of muscles tapers off at the bottom and top ends, of course. If you're a lean, handsome 6'4 guy, you don't really need to be jacked to get (hot) women. And if you're a 5'4 ugly guy, it won't make much of a difference either.

Also, it's kinda bound to be overrated because it's pretty much the only way to effectively increase your physical attractiveness as a man, as nearly all other markers of male attractiveness are genetic and fixable only via (often expensive, dangerous) surgery, if at all.

Flightlessbirbz · 2025-07-19T21:49:54+00:00

It really depends on your definition of “good physique.” If you are obese or scrawny, you will see vast improvements by no longer being obese or scrawny. But bodybuilding is definitely something with diminishing returns on your investment when it comes to women’s perceptions. After a certain point, it’s mostly going to impress other men. Not that there’s anything wrong with that… women are the same way with makeup and fashion.

GridReXX · 2025-07-19T15:39:17+00:00

I think there are always going to be relative gains to being fit more than fat.

That said, I think you’re right. It’s all dependent. Taller guys have that going for them, so they get points there. Plus fat isn’t as sloppy looking the taller or broader you are.

Also, generally I think while men and women care about looks, I thinks guys’ arousal or sense of validation seems way more impacted by how their partner looks to him.

AngeAware · 2025-07-19T16:48:54+00:00

As I say a lot on this sub, it really depends on the region and culture.

I find that for the southern U.S. many women value conventional masculinity over a perfect physique. Things like watching what you eat and obsessing over your body are considered feminine behavior. It is not uncommon for visibly overweight dudes who tick the right masculinity boxes to have fit partners.

Icyfemboy · 2025-07-19T15:41:40+00:00

The taller you are the more returns you’ll get on getting jacked. Even an ugly 6’2 bald guy would have life changing benefits from getting jacked, a 5’1 man on the other hand? There’s a chance it might actually increase the bullying and condescension he receives bc it’ll be seen as compensating + bulky physique would look comical on him, if he’s lean with a 6 pack then people would barely even know unless he’s walking with his shirt off.

Bottom line, the more things you have going for you the more returns you’ll get on having a good physique.

Lemon_gecko · 2025-07-19T15:50:59+00:00

I think being fit and attractive will be a bonus because it will broaden pool of those who are attracted to you. Personality matters too, confidence, charm, niceness and so on. Nobody wants to date a bitter assholes unless they have serious issues with self esteem. I don't know what's more important to be honest, i guess for some looks for others personality. But people don't change drastically, so you can only improve to some extend what you have, and if you want to i think you should go in both directions, personality and looks. Having more options is better than having less.

Hard_Corsair · 2025-07-19T15:57:15+00:00

Yes. Physique and other physical aspects are often treated as the most important element of being attractive. However, there is no visual aspect that is as important as charisma. People play up physique because it's easier to work on than developing charisma if you don't naturally have it.

Independent_Day678 · 2025-07-19T16:07:01+00:00

If I think about my ideal guy, he would probably be somewhere around 176 to 185 centimeters tall and have a lean, slightly muscular build. Not the super muscular, gym obsessed type, just someone who looks healthy and naturally fit. More like an athletic build that looks functional rather than like a bodybuilder. I am not really attracted to the dad bod type with a big stomach or the kind of body that just looks lifeless. Obviously being physically attractive plays a role in relationships, and if I had to choose, I would prefer a skinny guy over a fat guy, even if he is not muscular.

empireofadhd · 2025-07-19T16:27:20+00:00

Biologically generally health markers, low bodyfat and a masculine frame will statistically attract more women.

ComprehensivePipe448 · 2025-07-19T16:33:46+00:00

Well what is ur standard for a good female or male physique as what ur observing doesn’t make sense

TopShelfSnipes · 2025-07-19T17:32:29+00:00

Many women care about physique but they generally prefer athletic body types not "jacked".

"Women who enjoy muscle" =/= he has bigger tits than her or a guy who's so cut he looks like he can't enjoy a beer or ice cream.

Turbulent-Company373 · 2025-07-19T17:51:16+00:00

Height and good looks seem to trump everything else these days.

Lift_and_Lurk · 2025-07-19T17:56:24+00:00

Only 13 percent of men are in shape. Not jacked or shredded, just in shape. That means any guy that has a fit/muscular physique is automatically going to have something over on the ones that don’t

That doesn’t mean the rest of the women stay single: it means they still go for the non fit guys.

But if you are a dude who lifts you automatically have an advantage. And that’s not even counting the confidence hard work and seeing results provides.

Gold_Sheepherder6569 · 2025-07-19T18:22:21+00:00

It is face>>heightphysique for men in terms of being physically attractive to women, like you said these men tended to be tall. I've seen the physiques for women that you think you saw and I highly doubt most of the women were that fit, that been said other factors matter more than physique. I have a question though for the fit or jacked guys dating out of shape women were they tall and/or good looking facially?

KayRay1994 · 2025-07-19T19:08:32+00:00

I’d say it def is overrated - and this is coming from someone who lifts heavy and spends 2-3 hours at the gym a few times a week for fun.

Thing is - everyone has types and different ‘minimums’ they’re willing to go for. For many women, as long ad you take minimal care of your body to where you don’t appear to be a lazy slob, you’ll be fine assuming you can carry yourself well.

A good body can certainly help, but a good body with no social skills, personalization, etc is kinda meaningless. A chubby dude who resonates more with someone will always do better than a fit chiseled dude who doesn’t, for example

SeemedGood · 2025-07-19T22:12:55+00:00

Women are attracted to power and physical is just one form of the expression of power.

If you are tall, your height alone projects some degree of physical power. If you are short, you better be fit and have good musculature.

And women notice and evaluate a lot.

I am short and I can pretty much use women’s reactions to me as a scale.

Zabadoodude · 2025-07-19T15:50:59+00:00

Getting somewhat fit and muscular is a huge benefit and isnt that hard to do. After that you start getting diminishing returns. You have to pretty much dedicate your life to getting and staying shredded and some women don't even prefer that look.

Height is important, but you cant change it, so no sence to dwell on it. I do see some short guys with cute girls too, though of course it's harder for them.

LazySignature2 · 2025-07-19T17:02:26+00:00

Men get confused and then think most women are gaslighting them when they say they don't care about peak physique.

Men swear, by their own experience, that women love built and muscular guys because of attention increase they got when they became built and muscular. Most women in online poles though say they like avg. body, not super built.

However, what's going on here is something else.

Let's say a minority, 10% of women, are into very muscular men, yet only 1% of men posses that top physique. This population imbalance creates a simple supply and demand problem. There will be 10 women who all want the same 1 man for his body. This is what drives women to then compete against themselves to get that man's attention, instead of the other way around, which then gives the man a perception that women love built men.

So two things are true at once:

most 90% of women, don't care about body builder physique (or actively dislike it).
minority 10% of the women love it and are true fans of it and want no other guy.

So as a man, if you can manage to get jacked and into that top % physique, go for it and take advantage of that market. You want niche appeal, not mass appeal.

You don't want to be in a pool where you have access to 90% of the women - but you have to win them over.
You wan't to be in the pool where you have access to 10% of the women - and they are fighting over you.

Acceptable-Truck3803 · 2025-07-19T15:47:13+00:00

Not overrated. You can YouTube “women reacting to bodybuilders” and you’ll see the female gaze.

Usually men and women usually put on 10-15 lbs when in a newish relationship. After the 4-5 months they return to old habits and start to lean out again.

Usually special media folks complain about height being an end all as with a semi-good face and you have the height, dating is on easy mode due to physical presence and/or potential to be a knock out as genetics determines height minus these crazy breaking legs procedures to gain 4” of height.

Chemical_Hearing_0 · 2025-07-19T15:59:58+00:00

I think it is. The most successful I ever was with women was when I was a chubby alcoholic. Being where women are all the time and a fun and outgoing guy is gonna bring more success than being a boring dude ripped to shreds worrying about his calories and workouts.

Rich-Efficiency3394 · 2025-07-19T17:17:02+00:00

Being fit is not going to guarantee women are attracted to you or will stay with you.

I know plenty of fit men with shitty personalities who can't keep a woman if they had $100 bill tied to their dick.

But that's no excuse not to improve your looks - What you're doing is called "cope". You are looking for an excuse not to put in the work to make yourself more attractive. And get this, even if you don't get a single woman from the effort you are still better, healthier, stronger, fitter than you were.

But most importantly trying to deny the fact that being more physically attractive does open up your dating opportunities is insane - we see the results, we see how women treat men who are in shape versus men who are out of shape.

Bottom line: having a fit body gives you better dating options.

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Redditrelapser · 2025-07-19T15:43:33+00:00

For men, yes.
Social competency and status matter a great deal more because it all tie into finances anyway.

Aromatic-Following98 · 2025-07-19T16:00:24+00:00

I wouldn't read too much to into people that have been married 10 years

But second most people don't understand what a good male physique is because it's hard to be in denial about it. You can lie to yourself about IQ and facial attractiveness, but it's not hard to lie to yourself about height, shoulder width and bone thickness.

A good make physique is underrated and overall lean body mass is determative of success

mystoryhere12 · 2025-07-19T16:24:38+00:00

lol if you’ve ever been muscular and lean you know girls go crazy when you take your shirt off

UnpredictableDemise8 · 2025-07-19T16:28:10+00:00

Muscles are a nice bonus, but won't save an overall bad appearance. If muscles are the only thing going for you, you won't have a great time. Workout for other benefits, better mental health, better phyiscal well-being. But don't expect women falling out of the sky, just because you suddenly look more muscular.

bv0724 · 2025-07-19T16:33:01+00:00

I’ve never dated a guy with a “good physique” although I’ve never dated an obese guy either. I’ve always been the fit one in almost every relationship. I’ve dated from 5’7 and 6’4. Anyone outside of the range, I am not interested in. So far, nothing too crazy, but I do require quite a bit more when it comes to face unless the guy is a musician. I’m generally not attracted to average faces at all, but I’ve had a small crush on every half decent musician friend I have. Basically be good looking in the face or impress me with music.

szclimber · 2025-07-19T16:49:04+00:00

Being fit and lean will help you reach your aesthetic genetic potential. It's not overrated for most people because most people are overweight.

Outside_Memory5703 · 2025-07-19T17:08:58+00:00

No. It is never going to hurt you, unless you are targeting a specific type of woman who prefers feminine

Reasonable_Style8214 · 2025-07-19T17:19:36+00:00

No, but female gaze mostly cares about shoulders to waist ratio, both of which are dependent on bone structure assuming you're at an optimal weight, so without good genetics you won't have an aesthetic physique either.

BashFish · 2025-07-19T18:55:13+00:00

I think it's underrated in that people still pretend it's not the only thing that matters

Thin_Ad_9043 · 2025-07-19T20:06:57+00:00

its only an enhancement to a good looking face. Not the other way around

AreOut · 2025-07-19T22:02:28+00:00

People forget that better physique increases your confidence and women are attracted to confidence.

GKilat · 2025-07-19T22:28:20+00:00

I would say that having an average body that is neither jacked nor fat but, most importantly, healthy is the most common preference.

It seems that jacked men are a preference of some very attractive women which is why some think this is the body all men should strive for. You don't need a super attractive partner as long as they are attractive enough and a lot of compatibility with your personality.

throwaway73737828 · 2025-07-19T15:58:36+00:00

Yeah huge difference before I didnt have six pack and big size arms, I wouldnt get that much attention, when I got it, I got more stares and attention especially when you get the abs, you get a lot of stare at the beach.

But the main point of attraction is being minimum a 7 out of 10 in looks and having game. Game is by far the best thing you can learn to get women. But it works the best if you are at least 7 out of 10 in looks

Outside-Travel-7903 · 2025-07-19T15:51:59+00:00

"Does this dress make me look fat?"

"No, your fat makes you look fat"

Charming_Review_735 · 2025-07-19T15:57:04+00:00

Bodybuilding is looksmaxxing for gay men.

growframe · 2025-07-19T15:44:22+00:00

It's underrated if anything

Title	Is a good physique overrated when it comes to attraction?
Author	Victordobado
Upvotes	16
Comments	74
Date	July 19, 2025 3:26 PM UTC (1 year ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/PurplePillDebate
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/PurplePillDebate/comments/1m3yy1e/is_a_good_physique_overrated_when_it_comes_to/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/PurplePillDebate/is-a-good-physique-overrated-when-it-comes-to.1557569 https://theredarchive.com/post/1557569

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